Morocco coach Walid Rkraki said on Sunday he is awaiting a full medical assessment of captain Romain Saiss’ injury, expressing hope it would not be serious.

The comments came after Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 in the opening match of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Rkraki said: “Saiss felt something in his knee. We do not yet know if it is a muscle injury or something else. We hope it is not serious and that we can have him back in the tournament.”

Saiss, who plays for Qatari club Al Sadd, was injured while trying to secure a long ball against Comoros forward Rafiqi, who pushed him from behind. Saiss briefly returned to the field but was unable to continue and was substituted by Jawad Yamiq in the 19th minute.